Question & AnswerQ&A (LETTER OF INSTRUCTION NO. 1313)
The Bulacan Fishing Reservation established under R.A. No. 4701, including foreshore and coastal areas in the municipalities of Bulacan, Hagonoy, Paombong, and Malolos in the Province of Bulacan.
All improvements introduced in fishponds illegally constructed within the Bulacan Fishing Reservation are declared forfeited in favor of the Government and granted to the Municipality of Bulacan for proprietary disposition and use.
A strip of 300 meters in width running parallel to the boundary of the Bulacan Fishing Reservation, containing approximately 600 hectares, is granted to the Municipality of Bulacan.
Each municipality is granted a 300-meter wide strip running parallel to their coastlines; Hagonoy - 8.5 km with about 255 hectares, Paombong - 5.0 km with about 150 hectares, and Malolos - 3.0 km with about 90 hectares.
The Ministry of Natural Resources, through the Director of Lands, is tasked with this responsibility within six months from issuance.
Through the Chief of the Philippine Constabulary/Integrated National Police, the Ministry of National Defense is responsible for ensuring that the markers indicating the boundaries are kept intact and prosecuting any person who tampers with, destroys, or removes them.
The Ministry of Natural Resources, through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, shall extend technical assistance.
They are required to prepare a Five-Year Development Plan to maximize the productivity of the granted areas.
The Letter of Instruction takes effect immediately upon issuance.